The GRT Yamaha World Supersort team has confirmed it will retain the services of Lucas Mahias and Federico Caricasulo for the 2018 season.
Mahias is in his first full–time season in the 600cc class of the World Superbike Championship having previously contested the Endurance World Championship with Yamaha, as well as several outings in the Superstock 1000 category with the Japanese marque last season.
The French rider won at Aragon, and has taken six other podiums. This has left him second in the standings and just four points adrift of leader Kenan Sofuoglu.
“I am really happy to have signed for another year with GRT and Yamaha,” Mahias said ahead of his home round at Magny–Cours.
“Yamaha is the manufacturer closest to my heart. I started my career with them in 2009 on an R6 and it is great to know that I will get to fight for the 2018 Supersport World Championship in the official Yamaha team riding the R6.
“This year was my first time with an official team in WorldSSP and it has been amazing, so I am excited to continue with GRT and Yamaha for another season.
“The team really is the perfect set–up for me and the R6 is by far the best bike. It has allowed me to always be fighting at the front during 2017 and with another year of experience under our belts, in 2018 I believe we will have an even stronger package.”
Former Tech3 Moto2 rider Caricasulo is in the midst of his second season in WorldSSP, though it has been a largely mixed year.
The Italian secured a maiden victory in the class in Thailand and achieved a third at home at Misano, but has crashed out of five races this season.
Currently sixth in the standings on 60 points, Caricasulo believes he has matured as a rider in 2017 and reckons this – along with the continuity in his surroundings – will carry him to a title tilt next season.
“I’m very happy to be staying with GRT and Yamaha for another season, because we have shown how completitive we can be this year and this will onl improve in our second season together,” he said.
“GRT is an amaxing team and I love the Yamaha R6, plus the experience we have gained together in 2017 has made me a stronger and better rider.
“Therefore, continuing this journey together should allow us to be even faster and more consistent in 2018.
“My aim next year is to win the title and I feel that racing on the R6 in the official GRT Yamaha team is the perfect combination to allow me to try and become a world champion.”
Comments.
Loading comments…